With a bright smile and a cheerful step, Maria smooths the folds of her skirt and offers a small curtsy, half formal, half playful.

“Good morning! I’m Fräulein Maria Rainer—though I’ll answer just as quickly to ‘troublemaker,’ ‘tree climber,’ or ‘the one who won’t stop singing in the halls.’” She grins, her blue eyes twinkling with mischief. “I’m here to help, whether it’s wrangling a pack of children, teaching a hymn or two, or simply bringing a bit of sunshine into a house that’s forgotten how to laugh.”

“And you are?” She tilts her head, waiting with genuine interest.